Tourists denied entry into science park at Almatti dam

ALMATTI (VIJAYAPURA): Science park, a key attraction at the Almatti Dam Garden Complex, is now off-limits to tourists, with authorities restricting entry to schoolchildren. Tourists, confused by the move, are also prohibited from interacting with the models, despite signs inviting visitors to try them. Many disgruntled tourists are leaving without visiting the park after being turned down by the staff.
Chandrashekhar Giraddi and Siddu Hiremath, tourists from Hole Alur, told TOI that they visited the Entrance Plaza Complex of Almatti, where the Italian garden, Mughal garden, laser show, music and dance fountain and other facilities are located, recently."When we went to the science park, the staff said if we have students, we must hire a guard and pay his fees. As we did not want guide's service, they locked the gate and said public entry is restricted to the park," they shared.
A group of range forest officers, who visited the park as part of their ongoing training at Dharwad, said though they were in uniform, they were barred from entering the science park. "However, no official information is displayed at the park to inform the public as to who is allowed inside and who is not," they asserted.
Vinayak Krishna and Devaki Nandan, tourists from Hyderabad, said that they paid Rs 50 as entry fee for the entrance plaza. "The personnel at the ticket counter said the fees involved entry to the Science Park too. However, staff at the science park rudely said that the park closes by 5 pm. When all other facilities are open till 9 pm, how can only the science park close by 5 pm? As we enquired about this, they allowed us to enter the park on the condition of not touching any models. Ironically, boards at each model instruct visitors to 'try yourself'. After our entry, the staff locked the gate and did not allow other public to get in," they explained.
The science park, with 84 live science models, was set up in 2021 in 1.2 acres at the cost of Rs one crore.
Shankrayya Mathapati, the assistant executive engineer who is in charge of the science park was unavailable for comment.